10 things we miss about the NHL

October 23, 2012 1:25 PM

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Defending the Cup

A big question always is: "Will the defending Stanley Cup champions repeat?" The Los Angeles Kings were kings of the NHL lasts season and the roster is pretty much the same as least year's Cup winning squad. (Mark Terrill / AP)

One of the best things about hockey is the hitting. No other sport can deliver when it comes to the combination of speed and physicality quite like hockey. (AP)

Big hits

One of the best things about hockey is the hitting. No other sport can deliver when it comes to the combination of speed and physicality quite like hockey. (AP)

Big hits One of the best things about hockey is the hitting.... Photo-3633634.51237 - Houston Chronicle

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Fights

The NHL is the only "top four" sport where fighting is legal. Sometimes players fight to get their team going, sometimes they fight to stick up for a teammate or sometimes they fight just because. (Getty) less

Fights

The NHL is the only "top four" sport where fighting is legal. Sometimes players fight to get their team going, sometimes they fight to stick up for a teammate or sometimes they fight just because.

A new crop of NHL talent always has the fans salivating. The New York Rangers got a glimpse of Chris Kreider when he made his NHL debut in the playoffs and scored 5 goals in 18 games last season. (AP)

Rookies

A new crop of NHL talent always has the fans salivating. The New York Rangers got a glimpse of Chris Kreider when he made his NHL debut in the playoffs and scored 5 goals in 18 games last season. (AP)

Rookies A new crop of NHL talent always has the fans... Photo-3633636.51237 - Houston Chronicle

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Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin

The game's top best players have developed quite a competitive rivalry through the years. Crosby is known for his playmaking and clutch play, while Ovechkin is known for his powerful shot and willingness to take the body. (AP) less

Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin

The game's top best players have developed quite a competitive rivalry through the years. Crosby is known for his playmaking and clutch play, while Ovechkin is known for his

The NHL's marquee moment in the regular season comes in the traditional outdoor game. Last year's game saw the New York Rangers beat the host Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park. This year's game, if it even happens, is expected to draw over 100,000 people at Michigan Stadium, as the Red Wings host the Maple Leafs. (Getty) less

Build up to the Winter Classic

The NHL's marquee moment in the regular season comes in the traditional outdoor game. Last year's game saw the New York Rangers beat the host Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank

Fans love all the possibilities that take place during camp as they see which rookies will impress and fight for a roster spot. Aeros center Mikeal Granlund would have been in the training camp for the Minnesota Wild if not for the lockout. (Bob Levey / For the Chronicle) less

Training camp storylines

Fans love all the possibilities that take place during camp as they see which rookies will impress and fight for a roster spot. Aeros center Mikeal Granlund would have been in the

There is more than just pride on the line when geographic rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators play each other. Valuable points in the standings are up for grabs in divisional play. (Chris Young / AP) less

The rivalries

There is more than just pride on the line when geographic rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators play each other. Valuable points in the standings are up for grabs in divisional play.